Safety
Every mariner knows and understands that domain awareness is critical for safety on the water. AIS enables precise identification and location of people and vessels no matter the weather conditions.
We have all been remind far too many times just how fragile lives truly are and how quickly situations can get out of control. Weather, fatigue, and equipment can be a factor. All of these conditions can change suddenly and when it comes to having a second pair of eyes and ears aware all of the time you can't put a price on that.
That unidentified vessel in the mist or on the horizon will appear on your chart plotter and be instantly identifiable. More and more commercial and leisure vessels are fitting AIS as standard equipment making AIS essential kit if you are planning to operate in areas where there is likely to be commercial maritime traffic. Safety at sea is all about prevention and AIS is a critical prevention tool that no mariner should be without.